Roof jack

ABSTRACT

A roof jack for a vent or a stack, the jack having a channel which receives water flowing down the roof and diverts the same around the stack or vent so that the water continually flows and no puddles are formed.

[ Aug. 13, 1974 United States Patent [191 Uhrhane et al.

New an 3 TM 1 2 9 H 8 993,281 5/l9ll 1,386,130 2,433,694 2,526,323 3 059 733 ROOF JACK [75] Inventors: Philip F. Uhrhane, Edgewood Park,

m .m i HB 70 45 99 NH 20 lO/l962 Hermann Providence, RI.

June 13, 1973 [21] App]. No.: 369,449

'Primary ExaminerJohn E. Murtagh Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Frederick J. Olsson ABSTRACT A roof jack for a vent or a stack, the jack having a channel which receives water flowing down the roof and diverts the same around the stack or vent so that 52/537 [51] Int. E04d 13/04 [58] Field of Search......... 52/199, 198, 15, 11,219, 52/302, 303, 533, 534, 514, 542, 537

the water continually flows and no puddles are formed.

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 6 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures PAIENLLU mi; 3mm

SHEET 1 0F 4 PAIENIEB ms 1 31914 SHEET 2 (IF 4 PATENIEB AUG 1 31974 SHEET 3 BF 4 saw u or '4 ROOF JACK This invention relates to pre-engineered metal buildings wherein ribbed metal panels comprise the roofing medium and, in particular, the invention relates to improvements in water-tight roof jacks for such ribbed roofs.

The principal object of the invention is to provide a roof jack forming a water-tight opening for a stack or vent which avoids damming or puddling'of water by means of a channel which receives water flowing down the roof between adjacent ribs and diverts the water transversely of the ribs and around the jack area so that the water has a free flow path down to the eave of the roof.

The invention will be explained below in connection with the following drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a roof panel having an opening constructed in accordance with the invention, the opening being formed between two strengthening ribs;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cover to be used with the opening of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a roof jack which comprises the panel of FIG. 1 and the cover of FIG. 2 assembled together;

FIG. 3a is a line view illustrating the shape of certain sealer strip used in the assembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 3b is a line view illustrating sealer strip used in the assembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 4 is a view taken on the lines 44 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a panel having an opening constructed in accordance with the invention, the opening being formed between three strengthening ribs;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a large roof jack arrangement;

FIG. 7 is a line view illustrating the relationship of the panels of FIG. 6; and

FIG. 8 is a lay-out of a piece of sheet-metal which is formed into the cover of the kind shown in FIG. 2

In FIG. 1, a pre-engineered metal building (not shown) has a roof comprising several metal panels one of which is indicated at 1. The roof panels are supported on conventional purlins such as the purlins 2 and 3 shown as supporting the panel 1. The panels extend in a direction as between the eave and the ridge of the roof. Conventionally, such metal panels. have raised strengthening ribs such as the ribs 4 and 5. Typically, the ribs are interconnected by webs such as the webs 6 between the ribs and the webs l and 11 outboard of the ribs. Such panels may comprise two to five ribs depending upon size and type. A typical tworibbed panel is shownin co-pending application Ser.

No. 313,754, filed Dec. 1 l, 1972 and entitled METAL ROOF and assigned .to the assignee of this invention. A typical five-rib panel will be noted in connection with FIG. 6 herein.

The panel 1 has an opening 12, the lower edge 13 of I the opening is formed by a cut in the panel comprising cuts in the ribs 4 and and in the web 6 between the ribs. The upper edge 14 is formed by a cut in the panel comprising cuts in the ribs 4 and 5, in the web 6 and in longitudinally of the panel between lower edges.

Before going on, it is to be noted that the extension of the upper edge 14 into the webs 10 and 11, as indicated at 20 and 21, is for forming an upper overlap area as will be described below.

With reference to the above description, it will be observed that small sections of the ribs 4 and 5 have been removed. This structure is important in the antipuddling feature described later.

Further, it is to be observed that the cut in the web 6 forming the lower edge 13 includes the cuts 22 and 23 respectively adjacent the ribs 4 and 5. The length of the cuts 22 and 23 depends upon the opening desired. However, for purposes of strength, it is preferred that the opening extend between the purlins. Thus, it will be seen that the upper edge 14 of the opening is aligned with the top edge 3a of the purlin 3 and that the lower edge 13 of the opening is aligned with the top edge 20 of the purlin 2. The principal reason for extending the opening between the purlins is to provide for structural strength. In the event the opening is to extend a distance less than the distance between the purlins, a structural support should be provided on the underside of the panel at the lower edge area. Where the upper edge is spaced from the purlin in a direction toward the ridge, such structural support under the panel is essential to properly form the upper overlap as will be apparent later.

The opening 12 is adapted to receive a cover 24 as shown in FIG. 2. The cover 24 comprises a platform section 25 and a channel section 26. The platform holds the vent or stack while the channel diverts and directs water.

The platform section 25 has a top surface 30, an upper edge 31, a lower edge 32 and side edges 33 and 34. Referring to side edge 33, the same is L-shaped and comprisesthe foot section 35 and a leg section 36. The edge 34 is similarly configured having the foot section 40 and the leg 41. The leg and foot sections of the sides 33 and 34 are respectively bent at angles and dimensioned to correspond to the configuration and dimensions of the ribs 4 and 5.

The channel 26 has a flat receiver section 42 which is coplanar with the feet 35 and 40. The channel also has an upright diverter section 43. The diverter is connected to the receiver and extends upwardly and it is connected to the upper edge 31 of the platform 25. The diverter is the same height as the side edges 33 and 34.

the upper and The dimensions of the opening 12 and the dimensions of the cover 24 are coordinated so that the cover can be fitted to the opening as described below.

In FIGS. 3 and 4, we have shown how the cover 24 is assembled to the opening 12. Before assembling the cover in place, bead caulking is applied as indicated by the dotted lines 44 and 45. Then the top edge 14 of the panel is lifted upwardly and the top edge 46 of the receiver inserted between the panel and the top of the purlin 3. (Or on the insulation on the top of the purlin if insulation is used.) The top edge 46 of the receiver is aligned with the edge 3b of the purlin. Next, a preformed sealer strip such as the strip 46 shown in FIG. 3a is laid down on the top edge of the receiver. The coveris' then eased down so that the diverter 43 abuts the top edges 4a and 5a'of the ribs and so that the feet 35 and 40 and the receiver 42 are all down on the outthe bottom of the panel and is flush with the edge 14 a as shown in FIG. 3.

As noted above, the top edge 46 of the receiver is aligned with the top edge 3b of the purlin 3 and the cover is preferably dimensioned so that the bottom edge 32 of the cover is aligned with the edge 2b of the purlin 2.

With upper edge 14 of the panel opening spaced downwardly from the upper edge 46 of the receiver, the panel overlaps the receiver and forms an upper overlap area which provides for run-off of water from the panel to the receiver. See FIG. 4.

The channel is dimensioned in a transverse direction so that it extends outwardly beyond the side edges 33 and 34 of the cover substantially into the outboard webs l and 11 as noted by the locations of the outboard edges 50 and 51. The cuts 20 and 21v accomodate the extensions into the webs 10 and 11 and also provide for overlap in these areas.

The channel covers the top portion of the panel opening 12 and shields the opening from the entry of water.

It will be noted with respect to FIG. 3 that the edges 33 and 34 of the cover are configured to fit closely over the ribs 4 and 5. The platform 25 being mounted on the webs 10 and 11 and extending up and over the ribs and covers the area of the opening between the ribs and thus shields the opening from the entry of water.

The cover is dimensioned so that the lower edge 32 of the platform is spaced down from the lower edge 13 of the panel opening to form a lower overlap area which provides for runoff from the platform to the panel. See FIG. 4.

The top surface of the platform is spaced upwardly from the webs or from the plane of the panel and provides a raised area for the installation of vents, stacks and the like. I

The cover 24 is adapted to be fastened down by conventional fasteners. At the top, the row of fasteners 54 lock the panel and receiver down on the purlin 3. On the sides, the rows 55 and 56 of fasteners lock the receiver and feet down on webs 10 and 11. The fasteners 57 lock the platform 25 to the ribs 4 and 5.

Caulking is applied as indicated'at the areas 60 and 61 between the diverter and the platform legs, and also at the upper overlap area as indicated at 62 and 63.

Under rainy conditions, the above described structure operates as follows. Water falling on the platform surface 30 flows down the surface and over the lower overlap area and thence down to the web 6. Water flowing down web 6 between the ribs 4 and flows over the upper overlap area onto the receiver 42 and thence into the diverter 43. The diverter causes the water to change direction and flow outwardly to the left and right onto webs and 11. The outward extension of the channel into the webs l0 and 11 is an important feature because it keeps the water away from the caulked areas 60 and 61 and also tends to keep the flow away from the feet 35 and 40.

In FIG. 5, we have illustrated how the invention is applied to a panel having three strengthening ribs.

Panel 64 has raised strengthening ribs 65, 66 and 67 with the webs 71 and 72 connecting the ribs and the webs and 73 outboard of the ribs. The webs 70 and 73 may be connected for example to a standing seam forming a joint between adjacent panels or to other ribs which are overlapped with adjacent panels.

The panel 64 extends between the eave and ridge of the roof and is supported on the purlins 74 and 75. The opening 76 in the panel has the same shape as the opening 12 in panel 1. The lower edge 80 is formed by cuts in the ribs 65 and 67 and in the panel area between the ribs, namely in the webs 71 and 72 and in the rib 66. Also, the cut forming the lower edge 80 includes the cuts 81 and 82 respectively adjacent the ribs 65 and 67.

The upper edge 83 is formed by a cut in the panel comprising cuts in the ribs 65, 66 and 67 and in the webs 71 and 72 and in the webs 70 and 73 as indicated at 84 and 85. The side edges 86 and 87 are formed by cuts in the webs 70 and 73. As noted, the upper and lower edges extend transversely over the panel while the side edges extend longitudinally. Also it will be observed that portions of the ribs 65, 66 and 67 have been removed for receiving the channel section of a cover.

The cover used with the arrangement of FIG. 5 has the same configuration as the cover 24. It is designed to fit over the opening 76 and cooperate with the panel in the same manner.

In FIGS. 6 and 7 we have illustrated the invention as applied to a very large opening wherein the cover extends transversely over several strengthening ribs.

The panel 90 has strengthening ribs 91, 92, 93, 94 and 95 which are inter-connected by the webs 100, 101, 102 and 103.

On the left-hand side, there is a panel 104 also having five ribs, two of which are indicated at 105 and 106. The panel 104 also includes the webs and 111. The rib 91 of the panel 90 overlaps the rib 105 of the panel 104.

On the right-hand side, there is a panel 112 which also has five ribs, two of which are indicated at 113 and 114. The panel- 112 includes the webs 115 and 116. The rib 113 of the panel 112 overlaps the rib 95 of the panel 90.

The panels 90, 104 and 112 run in a direction from eave to ridge and are supported on the purlins 119 and 120, similarly as the panels heretofore described.

The opening 121 is formed primarily in the panel 90 and partially in the panels 104 and 112 as will be noted below. The opening 121 receives the cover 122.

The lower edge 123 of the opening is formed by a cut including the overlapped ribs 95/113 and 91/ I05, and in the panel area between the overlapped ribs, namely webs 100, 101, 102 and 103 and in ribs 92, 93 and 94. Also the cut forming the lower edge also includes the longitudinal cuts 124 and 125 respectively adjacent the overlapped ribs 91/105 and 95/1 13.

The upper edge 126 is formed by a cut in the panel comprising cuts in the overlapped ribs 95/1 13 and 91/105 and in the panel area between the overlapped ribs namely ribs 94, 93 and 92. The lower edge further includes cuts in the webs 100, 101, 102 and 103 and in the outboard webs 110 and 115. These latter cuts are indicated at 130 and 131.

The side edge 132 is formed by a cut in the web 110 and the side edge 133 is formed by a cut in the web The cover 122 is dimensioned to fit over and cooperate with the opening 121 and functions in the same manner as described heretofore.

The cover structure for any of the embodiments of FIGS. 1, 5 or 6 has an important additional advantage, namely that it can be fabricated from a single rectangular piece of sheet metal, bent into the desired shape. This is shown in a lay-out of FIG. 8 and vwill be described in connection with the cover shown in FIG. 2. In FIG. 8, the dotted lines 134 and 135, 136 and 137, 138 and 139 are bend lines, and the slots 140 and 141 are saw cuts along the line 138 co-extensive with the bend lines 134 and 135.

The piece is bent along the lines 134-135 and 136-137 to the angular orientation as shown in FIG. 2. The area a forms the platform surface 30 and the areas 36a and 410 form the legs 36 and 41 and the areas a and a form the feet 35 and 40. The piece is bent along the lines 138 and 139 so that the area 42a forms the receiver 42 and the area 43avforms the diverter 43.

We claim: 1. In a building roof comprised of metal panels supported by purlins, roof jack structure comprising:

elongated roof panel means extending in a direction between the cave and the ridge of the roof and having a plurality of raised strengthening ribs and webs between adjacent ribs; 1

an opening in said panel means, the opening having a lower edge and an upper edge each extending in a direction transverse the panel means and also having first and second side edges extending between the upper and lower edges generally longitudinally of the panel means;

a platform section mounted on said panel means and extending over and shielding the opening from the entry of water and the top surface of the platform being spaced upwardly from the plane of the panel and providing an area for installing stacks, vents and the like and the lower portion of the platform overlapping the lower edge of the panel opening to form a lower overlap area. providing for water runoff; 7 channel section connected with said platform section and being mounted on said panel means and extending over said opening and underlapping the upper edge of the panel opening whereby the upper edge forms an upper overlap area providing for water run-off, the channel shielding the opening from the entry of water and the channel receiving water flowing down the panel and diverting around said cover section; and

sealing means mounted in said upper and in said lower overlap areas.

2. In a building roof comprised of metal panels supported by purlins, roof jack structure comprising:

elongated roof panel means extending in a direction between the eave and the ridge of the roof and having a plurality of raised strengthening ribs and webs respectively connected between adjacent ribs;

an opening in the panel means formed by the removal of a section of the panel including portions of adjacent ribs;

the opening having a lower edge and an upper edge,

each extending in a direction transverse the panel means and first and second side edges extending between the upper and lower edges generally longitudinally of the panel means; a platform section mounted on a pair of spaced-apart webs and extending over and shielding the opening from the entry of water and the top surface of the platform being spaced upwardly of the plane of the panel means and providing a raised area for themstalling of stacks, vents and the like and the lower portion of the platform overlapping the lower edge of the panel opening to form a lower overlap area providing for water run-off; channel section connected with the platform section and being mounted on said spaced-apart webs and extending over said opening in the area from which said ribs were removed and being overlapped by the panel means at the upper edge of the opening to form an upper overlap area providing for water run-off, the channel shielding the opening from the entry of water and receiving water flowing down the panel between adjacent ribs and diverting the water to flow outwardly onto said spaced-apart webs; and sealing means mounted in said upper and in said lower overlap areas. 3. For a roof jack, a cover comprising: a platform section and a channel section; the platform section having a top surface, an upper edge, a lower edge and side edges; each side being L-shaped in cross-section, the foot of the L being for use in being mounted on the web of a roof panel and the leg of the L spacing said top surface from the foot and being adapted to raise the top surface above the plane of the roof for use in mounting stacks, vents and the like; and the channel section having a flat receiver section coplanar with said feet for mounting on webs of the panel and also having a diverter section connected to the receiver section and extending upwardly the same distance as said legs and the top of the diverter being connected to the upper edge of the platform and the receiver and diverter extending outwardly co-extensively, respectively beyond said feet.

4. In a building roof comprised of metal panels supported by purlins, roof jack structure comprising:

roof panel means extending in a direction between the cave and the ridge of the roof and having at least a pair of raised strengthening ribs, a web connected between the ribs and webs connected respectively outboard of the ribs;

an opening in said panel, the opening comprising:

a. a lower edge formed by a cut in the panel comprising at least cuts in each said rib and in the web between the ribs;

b. an upper edge formed by a cut in the panel comprising at least cuts in each said rib, in the web between the ribs and in said outboard webs;

c. a first side edge formed by a cut in the panel comprising at least a cut in one outboard web and extending between the upper and lower edges;

(1. a second side edge formed by a cut in the panel comprising at least a cut in the other outboard web and extending between the upper and lower edged;

a cover comprising a platform section and a channel section;

the platform having a top surface, an upper edge, a

lower edge and side edges, the platform being mounted on said outboard webs and extending up and over and between said pairs of ribs and coverand in the panelarea between the ribs;

b. an upper edge formed by a cut in the panel comprising at least cuts in said spaced-apart ribs and in the panel area between the ribs and in the I ported by purlins, roof jack structure comprising:

ing the area therebetween and shielding the openwebs outboard of said spaced-apart ribs; ing from the entry of water and the top surface of c. a first edge formed by a cut in the panel compristhe platform being spaced upwardly from the plane ing at least a cut in one of said outboard webs and of the panel means to provide a raised area for inextending between the upper and lower edges; stalling stacks, vents and the like and the lower d. a second side edge formed by a cut in the panel edge of the platform being spaced with relation to 10 comprising at least a cut in the other of said outthe lower edge of the opening so that the lower board webs and extending between the upper edge of the platform overlaps the lower edge of the and lower edges; opening and forms a lower overlap area to provide a cover comprising a platform section and a channel for water run-off; section; sealing means mounted in said lower overlap area; the platform section having a top surface, an upper a channel having a receiver section and a diverter edge, a lower edge and side edges, the platform section connected to the receiver section and the being mounted on said outboard webs and extendreceiver section having an upper edge; ing up and over said pair of spaced-apart ribs and the receiver section being mounted on said outboard covering the area therebetween and shielding the webs and extending across said opening and the opening from the entry of water and the top surface upper edge of the receiver being spaced from the of the platform being spaced upwardly from the upper edge of the panel opening so that the panel plane of the panel means to provide a raised area means overlaps the receiver and forms an upper for installing stacks, vents and the like and the overlap area to provide for water run-off and the lower edge of the platform being spaced with relareceiver extending substantially outwardly into said tion to the lower edge of the opening so that the outboard webs; lower edge of the platform overlaps the lower edge the diverter section extending upwardly from the reof the opening and forms a lower overlap area to ceiver section and the top of the diverter being provide for water run-off; connected to the upper edge of the platform and sealing means mounted in said lower overlap area; the diverter being co-extensive with the receiver so a channel having a receiver section and a diverter as to extend substantially outwardly over said outsection connected to the receiver section and the board webs and the receiver and the diverter receiver section having an upper edge; shielding the opening from the entry of water; the receiver section being mounted on said outboard sealing means mounted in said upper overlap area; webs and extending across said opening and the and upper edge of the receiver being spaced from the the receiver receiving water flowing down the panel upper edge of the panel opening so that the panel means and the diverter causing said water to flow means overlaps the receiver and forms an upper outwardly onto said outboard webs. overlap area to provide for water run-off and the 5. A construction in accordance with claim 4 wherein receiver extending substantially outwardly into said the lower edge of the opening further includes a cut in outboard webs;

the diverter section extending upwardly from the receiver section and the top of the diverter being connected to the upper edge of the platform and the diverter being co-extensive with the receiver so as to extend substantially outwardly over said outboard webs and the receiver and the diverter the web adjacent one of the ribs and extending generally parallel said first side edge and a cut in the web adjacent the other rib and extending generally parallel said second side edge.

6. ln a building roof comprised of metal panels suproof panel means extending in a direction between the cave and the ridge of the roof and having a plurality of raised strengthening ribs and webs respectively connected between adjacent ribs; an opening in said panel, the opening comprising:

a. a lower edge formed by a cut in the panel comprising at least cuts in a pair of spaced-apart ribs outwardly onto said outboard webs. 

1. In a building roof comprised of metal panels supported by purlins, roof jack structure comprising: elongated roof panel means extending in a direction between the eave and the ridge of the roof and having a plurality of raised strengthening ribs and webs between adjacent ribs; an opening in said panel means, the opening having a lower edge and an upper edge each extending in a direction transverse the panel means and also having first and second side edges extending between the upper and lower edges generally longitudinally of the panel means; a platform section mounted on said panel means and extending over and shielding the opening from the entry of water and the top surface of the platform being spaced upwardly from the plane of the panel and provIding an area for installing stacks, vents and the like and the lower portion of the platform overlapping the lower edge of the panel opening to form a lower overlap area providing for water run-off; a channel section connected with said platform section and being mounted on said panel means and extending over said opening and underlapping the upper edge of the panel opening whereby the upper edge forms an upper overlap area providing for water runoff, the channel shielding the opening from the entry of water and the channel receiving water flowing down the panel and diverting around said cover section; and sealing means mounted in said upper and in said lower overlap areas.
 2. In a building roof comprised of metal panels supported by purlins, roof jack structure comprising: elongated roof panel means extending in a direction between the eave and the ridge of the roof and having a plurality of raised strengthening ribs and webs respectively connected between adjacent ribs; an opening in the panel means formed by the removal of a section of the panel including portions of adjacent ribs; the opening having a lower edge and an upper edge, each extending in a direction transverse the panel means and first and second side edges extending between the upper and lower edges generally longitudinally of the panel means; a platform section mounted on a pair of spaced-apart webs and extending over and shielding the opening from the entry of water and the top surface of the platform being spaced upwardly of the plane of the panel means and providing a raised area for the installing of stacks, vents and the like and the lower portion of the platform overlapping the lower edge of the panel opening to form a lower overlap area providing for water run-off; a channel section connected with the platform section and being mounted on said spaced-apart webs and extending over said opening in the area from which said ribs were removed and being overlapped by the panel means at the upper edge of the opening to form an upper overlap area providing for water run-off, the channel shielding the opening from the entry of water and receiving water flowing down the panel between adjacent ribs and diverting the water to flow outwardly onto said spaced-apart webs; and sealing means mounted in said upper and in said lower overlap areas.
 3. For a roof jack, a cover comprising: a platform section and a channel section; the platform section having a top surface, an upper edge, a lower edge and side edges; each side being L-shaped in cross-section, the foot of the L being for use in being mounted on the web of a roof panel and the leg of the L spacing said top surface from the foot and being adapted to raise the top surface above the plane of the roof for use in mounting stacks, vents and the like; and the channel section having a flat receiver section co-planar with said feet for mounting on webs of the panel and also having a diverter section connected to the receiver section and extending upwardly the same distance as said legs and the top of the diverter being connected to the upper edge of the platform and the receiver and diverter extending outwardly co-extensively, respectively beyond said feet.
 4. In a building roof comprised of metal panels supported by purlins, roof jack structure comprising: roof panel means extending in a direction between the eave and the ridge of the roof and having at least a pair of raised strengthening ribs, a web connected between the ribs and webs connected respectively outboard of the ribs; an opening in said panel, the opening comprising: a. a lower edge formed by a cut in the panel comprising at least cuts in each said rib and in the web between the ribs; b. an upper edge formed by a cut in the panel comprising at least cuts in each said rib, in the web between the ribs and in said outboard webs; c. a first side edge formed by a cut in the panel comprising at least a Cut in one outboard web and extending between the upper and lower edges; d. a second side edge formed by a cut in the panel comprising at least a cut in the other outboard web and extending between the upper and lower edged; a cover comprising a platform section and a channel section; the platform having a top surface, an upper edge, a lower edge and side edges, the platform being mounted on said outboard webs and extending up and over and between said pairs of ribs and covering the area therebetween and shielding the opening from the entry of water and the top surface of the platform being spaced upwardly from the plane of the panel means to provide a raised area for installing stacks, vents and the like and the lower edge of the platform being spaced with relation to the lower edge of the opening so that the lower edge of the platform overlaps the lower edge of the opening and forms a lower overlap area to provide for water run-off; sealing means mounted in said lower overlap area; a channel having a receiver section and a diverter section connected to the receiver section and the receiver section having an upper edge; the receiver section being mounted on said outboard webs and extending across said opening and the upper edge of the receiver being spaced from the upper edge of the panel opening so that the panel means overlaps the receiver and forms an upper overlap area to provide for water run-off and the receiver extending substantially outwardly into said outboard webs; the diverter section extending upwardly from the receiver section and the top of the diverter being connected to the upper edge of the platform and the diverter being co-extensive with the receiver so as to extend substantially outwardly over said outboard webs and the receiver and the diverter shielding the opening from the entry of water; sealing means mounted in said upper overlap area; and the receiver receiving water flowing down the panel means and the diverter causing said water to flow outwardly onto said outboard webs.
 5. A construction in accordance with claim 4 wherein the lower edge of the opening further includes a cut in the web adjacent one of the ribs and extending generally parallel said first side edge and a cut in the web adjacent the other rib and extending generally parallel said second side edge.
 6. In a building roof comprised of metal panels supported by purlins, roof jack structure comprising: roof panel means extending in a direction between the eave and the ridge of the roof and having a plurality of raised strengthening ribs and webs respectively connected between adjacent ribs; an opening in said panel, the opening comprising: a. a lower edge formed by a cut in the panel comprising at least cuts in a pair of spaced-apart ribs and in the panel area between the ribs; b. an upper edge formed by a cut in the panel comprising at least cuts in said spaced-apart ribs and in the panel area between the ribs and in the webs outboard of said spaced-apart ribs; c. a first edge formed by a cut in the panel comprising at least a cut in one of said outboard webs and extending between the upper and lower edges; d. a second side edge formed by a cut in the panel comprising at least a cut in the other of said outboard webs and extending between the upper and lower edges; a cover comprising a platform section and a channel section; the platform section having a top surface, an upper edge, a lower edge and side edges, the platform being mounted on said outboard webs and extending up and over said pair of spaced-apart ribs and covering the area therebetween and shielding the opening from the entry of water and the top surface of the platform being spaced upwardly from the plane of the panel means to provide a raised area for installing stacks, vents and the like and the lower edge of the platform being spaced with relation to the lower edge of the opening so that the lower edge of the platfoRm overlaps the lower edge of the opening and forms a lower overlap area to provide for water run-off; sealing means mounted in said lower overlap area; a channel having a receiver section and a diverter section connected to the receiver section and the receiver section having an upper edge; the receiver section being mounted on said outboard webs and extending across said opening and the upper edge of the receiver being spaced from the upper edge of the panel opening so that the panel means overlaps the receiver and forms an upper overlap area to provide for water run-off and the receiver extending substantially outwardly into said outboard webs; the diverter section extending upwardly from the receiver section and the top of the diverter being connected to the upper edge of the platform and the diverter being co-extensive with the receiver so as to extend substantially outwardly over said outboard webs and the receiver and the diverter shielding the opening from the entry of water; sealing means mounted in said upper overlap area; and the receiver receiving water flowing down the panel means and the diverter causing said water to flow outwardly onto said outboard webs. 